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Positivism

Positivism, which was developed by Auguste Comte in the mid-19th century, denies the validity of metaphysics and speculation. Positivism is sometimes associated with empiricism and humanism, and maintains that direct sensory experience is the only reliable object of human knowledge, as the source of all things knowable to human beings.

In Comte's "Universal Rule" formulation there are three phases governing the human quest for truth: the Theological phase, which reigned over human existence until the Enlightenment; the Metaphysical phase, which has reigned since the Enlightenment and is described as logical rationalism; and the Positive phase associated with scientism. This last leg of Comte's tripod does not yet rule human society because the Positivist phases requires having a complete understanding of the world [nature], which science - as a provisional and progressive description of the world cannot provide.

Thus, according to Comte's philosophy modern human society is still operating within the Metaphysical phase, which approaches Positivism as metaphysical materialism.

Web Resources On Positivism

Positivism (Columbia Encyclopedia)
Positivism (Catholic Encyclopedia)
Positivism (Wikipedia)

Book Resources On Positivism

Auguste Comte and Positivism by John Stuart Mill
International Theory: Positivism and Beyond by Smith, Booth and Zalewski, eds.

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